It is a win-win situation for both the police and SSLC students at Bandepalya in Southeast Bengaluru.
To see a higher pass percentage in SSLC exams, the Bandepalya police have rolled out an initiative to hold a crash course for failed students.
The initiative, by a five-member team led by Inspector LY Rajesh, aims at equipping the students to successfully take their supplementary exams.
The officer, along with sub-inspectors Durga Bhavani and Muzammil, and constables Chikkaiah and Khaleel, drew up an action plan to implement their plan.
The police thought of the initiative after Rajesh noticed that only one out of the nine high schools under his jurisdiction had recorded a 100 percent pass in the SSLC exams. Several students in the other eight schools had failed in multiple subjects.
Failure, a cause of concern
Those failing the supplementary examinations, too, would have to take a year’s break from their studies. And such a possibility had the police worried.
“Since there is a one-year break, the failed students are prone to go awry, get into bad company, drugs and petty crimes to fund their vices. They may gradually scale up their criminal activities and ruin their future,” Rajesh told South First.
“We identified the failed students in each school in our jurisdictional limits and enrolled them for the 21-day examination-oriented crash-course programme. We launched the programme on 21 May, and it will conclude on 10 June. The supplementary exams commence from 12 June,” he said.
The police team also identified teachers from various schools, who could spare time for the students. A donor arranged the venue. Young volunteers from non-profit organisations, too, were roped in to manage the classes and coordinate with the students and parents.
“These volunteers would check with parents if a student is absent. To begin with, we arranged the infrastructure to accommodate around 100 students. So far, 84 students have registered for the programme,” the inspector said, adding that students from neighbouring police jurisdictions, too, have enrolled in the programme.
“The children of some of the relatives of our colleagues, too, have joined the course. The teachers are skilled in making students emerge successful. We also have counsellors and psychologists to keep the students motivated,” Rajesh added.
Of the students, 40 have failed in more than five subjects. Now, the teachers are handling six subjects. Each day comprises four to five teaching sessions.
Also read: Bengaluru police to adopt corporate-style outreach
Professional approach
Besides providing the necessary stationery items, the students are also served meals and snacks. The police team keeps a tab on the students’ needs and requirements whenever they get free time.
“We have also selected students who have failed in a particular subject and put them together under a teacher for more attention. We have also formed separate WhatsApp groups for students to share notes,” Rajesh further said.
The police now have their fingers crossed. They expect at least 50 to 60 percent of the students would clear the supplementary exams.
“It would be a great achievement if at least 50 to 60 percent of the total students clear the SSLC exams and get admission to colleges. The local MLA, Sathish Reddy, has promised to help the students in getting admissions,” the inspector said.
And those who do not clear the supplementary exams will at least have the confidence to successfully give it another shot, he added.
